The Chapel

In Memoriam
To All Departed Sir Knights
And Especially to All

Who Passed Away on 9/11/2001 and
Serving Our Country in Iraq

SK Curtis E. Austin, Janesville/Milton, Wisconsin (1915 - 2009)
Grand Commander of the Commandery of Knights Templar of Wisconsin, in 1986
November 2, 1915 - June 19, 2009
Curtis E. Austin, born to Mary (Hume) Austin and John A. Austin on Nov. 2, 1915, and long time resident of the Janesville-Milton area, died early Friday morning, June 19, 2009, at 93, in his current place of residence at the Milton Senior Living Center in Milton, WI. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his dear wife, of 55 years, Joan (Gray) Austin, on Nov. 23, 2008, and three sisters, Helen, fatally injured in the tornado of Nov. 11, 1911, Hazel (Mark) Campbell and Florence (Gerald) Ferdon.
He is survived by his children, Lynn (Don) Broesch of Germantown, WI, and Steven G (Kristi) Austin of Middleton. He was the proud grandfather of three grandsons: Jace Austin (Sarah) Barbera of Savage, MN, Nick Stephen (Sara) Barbera of Menomonee Falls, WI and Derek Condon Austin of Middleton, WI. He was also the great-grandfather of Carson James Barbera and Lauren Christy Barbera of Savage, MN.
He is survived, as well, by two siblings, a loving sister, Marion (Robert) Brose of Janesville, and a dear brother, J. Kenneth Austin (Noreen) of Janesville, and a brother-in-law, Ross (Shirley) Gray of Janesville. Additionally he is survived by numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Curtis, known to most as “Curt” and to his Masonic brethren as “Curti,” was a farmer all of his life, raising champion quality beef cattle and growing seed corn on his 260 plus acre farm, located on Hyw. 26. He sold the farm and retired at age 60, then built a new home on Pleasant Hill Drive, where he resided with Joan for the next 30 years.
Those who knew him, remember he especially enjoyed good food, be it a home made fresh grown strawberry shortcake or a great steak or fish fry in one of his favorite local restaurants. Many will recall seeing him dining out, over the years, with Joan and other friends or family.
His Masonic background is extensive. A few of his ‘too numerous to mention’ accomplishments in the many Masonic Orders with which he was affiliated, include being raised to Master Mason in Milton Lodge No. 161 in 1938; serving as Master in 1945 and 1966; becoming a dual member of Janesville Lodge No.55 in January 1987 and ultimately becoming well known in Masonic circles, throughout the state and the nation, when he was elected, to serve as the Grand Commander of the Commandery of Knights Templar of Wisconsin, in 1986. In this capacity he and his wife, Joan, traveled to all the states, except Alaska, making many new and lasting friendships.
Curt was an outdoor enthusiast and for recreation, took up golf. He was most happy playing weekly games with his golfing buddies, right through his 91st year. His life long church affiliation was the First Congregational Church of Milton, WI, though, in recent years he found additional comfort and solace in the Milton United Methodist Church. There are many who will miss and speak fondly of this quiet man who loved nature and saw God there, as he tilled his land and harvested his crops.
Thanks go out to all who have helped the family through the past few years of injury and difficult times, including, especially, the friends who visited, as well the caregivers and volunteers at the Milton Senior Living Center, Milton, WI. Additionally, special thanks goes to Heartland Hospice for their assistance in helping to keep Curt independent and in his pleasant surroundings.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 6:30 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009. This will be preceded, at 5:30 p.m., by an informal time to greet family members. Both will be held at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME in Milton, WI. Memorial gifts can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

SK Warren L. Pangborn
Passed away Sunday June 14, 2009
M.E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of N.J. - 1978
M.I. Grand Master of the Grand Council of N.J. - 1987
REGC of the Grand Commandery of N.J. - 1995
Arrangements:
Will be at, Grace Baptist Church, 23 Reeve Avenue, Westmont section of Haddon Township.
Viewing Wednesday evening 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Masonic Services 8:00 PM
Thursday morning 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Religious Funeral Service 11:00 AM
Interment, Locustwood Cemetery, Route 70, Cherry Hill.
If you need any other information let me know.
Ed Hesley

SK Ernest J. "Jack" Smith,
REPGC of Connecticut passed away on Saturday June 13, 2009.
Right Eminent Grand Commander of CT in 2007
Ernest J. "Jack" Smith, 76, of Coventry formerly of Manchester the husband of Louise A. (Gunner) Smith died Saturday (June 13, 2009) at his home. Born in Manchester, he was the son of the late George and Ellen (Reig) Smith. Jack was formerly employed as a machinist at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and was a U.S. Air Force veteran. A very active Brother with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Jack was originally a member of Manchester Lodge #73, a Master and a Founder of Manchester Friendship Lodge #145, Past Grand High Priest Grand Chapter of CT, Past Most Puissant Grand Master of the Grand Council of CT, and Past Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children John Smith of Coventry, Donna Page and her husband Barry of Claremont, NH, Laura Grande and her husband Gary of Chelsea, MI; his step-children John Luntta and his wife Dianna of Palm Bay, FL, Eric Luntta and his wife Kathy of Bolton; seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sisters Peggy Albert of East Hartford and Marilyn Watson and her husband Joseph of Vermont; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother William Smith and sister Ellen Livingston. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St., Manchester. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, 4-7 p.m. Burial with Military Honors will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m., East Cemetery, East Center St. Manchester. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice
Sir Knight SAM E. HILBURN
Right Eminent Grand Treasurer (1993-2003)
Honorary Past Grand Master
Sam E. Hilburn was born in Grandfield, Oklahoma, June 15, 1921. His early education was in Wichita Falls, Texas, graduating from Wichita Falls High School in 1938. He attended Tarleton State University and Texas A. & M. prior to military service, and graduating from Oklahoma University with degrees in Geology and Petroleum Engineering. He was a registered professional engineer in Texas, and a member of various geological and engineering societies, both state and national.
An independent oil operator of Midland, Texas, he resided there for more than sixty-two years, during which time he served in various civic capacities, including six years a member and president of the Midland School Board. He was predeceased by the wife Millie. They had three children; Sam, Jr., Caren Lynne and Sandra Kay; also six grand-children, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson. They were members of St. Luke's Methodist Church of Midland, where he was a past chairman of the board, lay leader, trustee and adult Sunday school teacher. He was chairman of the board of Midland American Bank, and served in that capacity for more than twelve years.
His Masonic career began in Midland Lodge No. 623 on December 1, 1949, when he was initiated an Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on January 19, 1950, raised a Master Mason on February 19, 1950, and served as Worshipful Master in 1959-1960. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 81st Masonic District in 1962. He was Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1970 and was elected Grand Junior Warden December 2, 1976. He was installed as the 141st Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 8, 1979.
He was a member of Midland Centennial Lodge No. 1148 and J.W. Chandler Daylight Lodge No. 1452, in Houston; Past Director of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia; member of Purposes and Policies Committee of the Grand Lodge of Texas; President of the Texas Grand Lodge Library and Museum board; Worshipful Master of the Texas Lodge of Research 1988-89; He served on the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home and School of Texas in Fort Worth.
He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Keystone Chapter No. 172, R.A.M., in Midland, Texas, on March 15, 1950 and served that Chapter as High Priest in 1955-1956. He was District Deputy Grand High Priest of the 44th Capitular District in 1975 and Grand Orator of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas in 1977. He served as chairman of the Grand Chapter Purposes and Policies Committee and President of the Board of Directors of the Texas Masonic Retirement Center in Arlington. He received the Order of High Priesthood on December 2, 1957.
He was greeted as a Select Master in Keystone Council No. 112, R. & S. M., in Midland, Texas, on April 4, 1950, and served as Thrice Illustrious Master of that Council in 1953-1954 and is an endowed member. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the 44th Cryptic District in 1972. He received the Super Excellent Master's Degree on April 18, 1953. He served on the Grand Council, Purposes and Policies and received the Order of the Silver Trowel on December 3, 1957.
He was Knighted in Midland Commandery No. 84, K.T. on June 28, 1950, served as Commander of Midland Commandery in 1955 and is an endowed member. He served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas in 1975-76. He served many years as Chairman of the Purposes and Polices Committee of the Grand Commandery of Texas.
His service to the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America include: Chairman of the Finance Committee; Grand Treasurer from May 6, 1993 to August 20, 2003; Trustee and Treasurer of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, U.S.A., Inc. He was elected an Honorary Past Grand Master on August 20, 2000.
He received the Scottish Rite degrees in El Paso Scottish Rite Bodies in October 1953 and is a life member; coroneted with the 33° in 1973; chairman of the Board of Directors of the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas; chairman of the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Family Scholarship Fund; chairman of the Board of Directors of the Scottish Rite Dormitory at the University of Texas; chairman of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Texas and Chairman of the Educational and Fellowship Program of Texas; chairman of the Scottish Rite Foundation of the Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc., and chairman of the Finance Committee; Grand Treasurer General of the Supreme Council Southern Council, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., and chairman of the finance committee; Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Orient of Texas.
Other affiliations include: Initiated as a Noble and a charter member of Suez Temple, AAONMS on October 14, 1950. Inducted into Texas Priory No. 23, in December 1959. He was elected Eminent Prior of Texas Priory No. 23, in 1985. He was ordained a member of Nazareth Tabernacle XXXIV, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests on December 17, 1955 and served as Preceptor in 1962. He served as Sovereign of St. Alphege Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine in 1966, Grand Sovereign of the United Grand Imperial Council, Red Cross of Constantine, 1983-84; and served as Grand Trustee. He was a member of Texas York Rite College No. 14 and a dual member of West Texas York Rite College No. 36 and received the Order of the Purple Cross. He served as Deputy Grand Governor in Texas, and a member of the Finance Committee of the York Rite Sovereign College. He was a life member of Chinar Grotto in Houston and a dual member of Omala Grotto in San Antonio. He was a member in perpetuity of the National Sojourner. He was twice Past Patron of Midland Chapter No. 253, Order of the Eastern Star; Past Chapter Advisor of Midland Chapter, Order of DeMolay; and has received the Cross of Honor and Honorary Legion of Honor, Order of DeMolay; State Dean of the State Preceptory, Legion of Honor; member of Holy Grail Council, Allied Masonic Degrees and Texas College SRICF, VIII°..
Sir Knight Richard Burditt Baldwin
Most Eminent Grand Master
2006-2007
Sir Knight Baldwin began life’s journey on October 28, 1935, in Concord, Massachusetts, the son of David S. and Hope W. Baldwin. He was educated in the Sudbury, Massachusetts schools graduating in 1953. He graduated in 1957, from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He received a Master of Science degree from George Washington University in 1974.
Sir Knight Baldwin began his military service on Flag Day, June 14, 1957 in the United States Army. He retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel. He had one son, Rick, and two daughters, Jodie and Julie. He passed to his eternal reward on February 5, 2009. On February 8, 2009, over 100 uniformed Knights Templar paid their last respects at his Knight Templar service held in Burke, Virginia.
Dick’s Masonic resume is extensive and was listed on these pages when he was elected our Grand Master. Templary was his love in the later years of his life. He served our Order as Commander of Arlington Commandery No. 29 and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia in 1989 – 1990. He served many years as the Grand Treasurer of Virginia.
He began his involvement with the Grand Encampment as chairman of the Committee on Easter Sunrise Memorial Service. His efforts in that position continue to be seen each year in Alexandria, VA. He was appointed an Honorary Past Department Commander in 1991, by then Grand Master, William Henry Thornley, Jr., GCT.
In August 1997 he was elected Right Eminent Grand Captain General of our Grand Encampment from a field of 5 very qualified candidates. On August 16, 2006, he was installed as Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA in Houston, Texas. Certainly his Installation was a high point of achievement in his many years of service to our Fraternity.
Unfortunately, due to deteriorating health, he resigned as Grand Master on August 27, 2007. During his one year as Grand Master, his achievements were many. Templary is in his debt as many of the programs and plans he had are just now coming to fruition.
He was a good man and true and always had the best interests of Templary and Fraternity at heart. He will be missed by all who knew him
"May the LORD Bless You
and Your Families"
With Love and Prayers
May the PEACE of the LORD Be With You

This Page is offered to all who need a moment of peacefulness.
In Memoriams to Grand Encampment Members will be posted here.
It is Dedicated to: S.K. Douglas Lee Johnson, PDC
Please Email Information to SK Dan Pushee, PC,KCT, kych52va@aol.com
Updated June 24, 2009 @ 1155 HRS

"May You Never Walk Alone"